TRAGIC DEATH OF SPORTS CLUB LEADER

THE MANCHESTER community has been stunned by the sudden death of a 41-year-old sports leader.

Andrew Cohen died after suffering a heart attack while jogging. He had fulfilled a host of volunteer roles for South Manchester Sports during a 20-year association.

The father-of-two was rushed to Wythenshawe Hospital last Thursday but passed away at the weekend with his family at his bedside.

More than 700 people attended his funeral on Sunday, among them former players who had travelled from London.

Club chairman Jonathan Davis said: “Andrew was irreplaceable. He was our accountant, treasurer and even ran his son’s juniors team.

“He didn’t realise how good he was. To say he will leave a massive hole is an understatement. We are all devastated.”

Mr Davis added: “He has a lovely family — his wife Hannah and two young children, a boy and a girl. Everyone in the community will rally around them.”

He recalled how Mr Cohen had been pivotal in raising funds for the building of the club’s new sports centre in Stockport.

“We needed to raise £1.5million but were £30,000 short. Andy said he would speak to Stockport Council and ask them to pay the remaining funds, interest free.

“We laughed at him. But 49 hours after his meeting they agreed to it.”